Born in the United States to an American father and Israeli mother, Noam has lived most of his life in Israel. In 2002, after finishing high school, and being excused from mandatory military service in Israel, he moved to the Bay Area to study with pianist and composer W.A. Mathieu and to pursue a career as a composer and jazz pianist.
Noam was introduced to the Jazz Music Program at SSU and began his undergraduate studies in the fall of 2002. He has been involved in a wide variety of musical studies and activities since starting at SSU, and has performed in over 40 concerts and productions, including classical piano solo and chamber music recitals, featuring his own compositions, as an accompanist of dance classes, as actor-pianist in a musical theater production, and as the longest standing member of the SSU Jazz Band.
In 2004, Noam founded one of SSU's newest student clubs "The Inappropriate Society." The Club provides an open forum for students to come together, discuss, explore and challenge issues such as alienation, social conformity and norms, taboos, and social justice. The club is also a direct non-violent action group focused on bringing attention to issues through organizing activities and events on campus. The Club received the Best New Campus Club award earlier this year.
Growing up in a highly politicized, turbulent region to parents who were actively involved in the peace movement in Israel, and witnessing the plights of war, Noam has always been aware of social injustice and the value of life. Living a self-examined, compassionate life that nurtures tolerance and a love of humanity is extremely important to him.
The Ambrose R. Nichols Scholarship, which is named after the founding president of Sonoma State University, was established to honor a student who exemplifies distinguished scholarship, outstanding contributions to the university and community, and maintains at least a 3.2 GPA.